Sightings 31/5/16

Red Kites in Avon  - May 2016 About 60+ individuals through even allowing for some possible double-counting
Location	Dates
Bristol	6th, 13th (2),  25th (3)
Horton A46	5th
Cold Ashton	22nd
Inglestone Common	7th
Chipping Sodbury	6th
Iron Acton	5th
Oldland Common	14th (2)
Rangeworthy	27th
Hambrook M32	25th
Oldbury Power Station	11th
Thornbury	8th, 24th
Alveston	12th
Severnside	12th, 13th
Pill	24th
Gordano Valley	13th, 14th, 19th, 24th (2),   25th, 29th, 31st
Kenn	4th
Tickenham	4th
Flax Bourton	7th
Wrington	25th
Uphill	13th
Bleadon	13th
Blagdon village	24th
Chew Valley Lake	1st, 4th, 5th, 6th (3), 8th (6), 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th (2), 24th (2), 29th, 30th, 31st
Chew Magna	23rd
East Harptree	25th
Swinford	11th
Bath	10th, 15th, 17th
Marksbury A39	27th
Midsomer Norton	8th, 27th

New Passage-Northwick:

2 Shelduck ducklings, 30 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 30 BH Gull, 1 2nd cy Common Gull. 

Walton Common:

1 flyover Red Kite 12.20pm (John Rickard).

Clapton Moor:

2 Hobby, 1 Cetti's Warbler.

31/5/16 Whitethroat (Melvin Hedges)

Portishead:

South Rd: 1 Jay.
Ship Inn: 1 Red Kite 12.30pm, downed by a mob of Gulls into the pub car-park, then duffed up a bit before finally escaping across the estuary (Roger Joliffe).

Undoubtedly the Walton Common bird.

Blagdon Lake:
7 Mute Swan, 149 Canada Goose, 2 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 1 BH Gull, 1 Cuckoo,  3 Whitethroat.

31/5/16 Pied Wagtail (Robert Hargreaves)

Planet Chew:

1 flyover Red Kite 7.50am (Simon Carder).

Other stuff, 70 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Goose, 2 Barnacle Goose, 15 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 74 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 4 GBB Gull, 250 Swift, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Raven, 2 Goldcrest, 40 mixed Swallow/House Martin, 5 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting.

31/5/16 Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding chick (Ian Stapp)

Reports: Simon Carder, David Gale, Robert Hargreaves, Melvin Hedges, Roger Joliffe, John Martin, John Rickard, Ian Stapp, BL birds, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 30/5/16

Stockwood (Bristol):
2 Peregrine in a territorial tussle this morning.

Redland (Bristol):
1 flyover Crossbill this morning (Tim McGrath).

Marshfield:
2 Quail, Shirehill Lane and Downthorns Farm.

Oldbury Power Station:
1 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher pair, 1 Cuckoo.

Littleton Warth:
2 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Raven, 3 singing Skylark, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Linnet.

White Hart pub: 11 House Sparrow.

New Passage-Northwick:
2 Avocet on the flash this afternoon (Lee Gardiner). Past the 2nd sentry box.
Other stuff, 5 Mute Swan cygnets, 25 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1 Garganey, 2 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 12 BH Gull, 2 Skylark, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

30/5/16 Garganey (John Martin)
present on the wetland intermittently since 12 May

30/5/16 Avocet (Mrs Trellis)
on the flash this afternoon, found by Lee Gardiner
Video: HERE

Portbury Wharf:
26 Canada Goose, 55 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon pair, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe broods, 1 Oystercatcher chick, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 10 Skylark.

River Avon: 1 Shelduck brood.

Portishead:

South Rd: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, on 3rd telegraph pole along the road.

Kenn:
1 Hobby this afternoon.

W-s-M:
Anchor Head: 1 fly-by Fulmar into Sand Bay this evening (Adrian Hockey).

Newton St Loe:
Lauren & Wayne just back from Portugal, so they carried out a patch stock-check:
4 Mute Swan, 2 Tufted Duck (rare here), 5 Grey Heron, 5 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swift, 4 Green Woodpecker, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Skylark, 10 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 nesting Treecreeper, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Yellowhammer.

Blagdon Lake:
1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Gadwall, 2 BH Gull.

Planet Chew:
1 flyover Red Kite 12.50pm at Heron's Green to south-west (Dave Hughes).
Other stuff, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6+ Buzzard, 2 Hobby.

Reports: David Gale, Adrian Hockey, Dave Hughes, John Martin, Tim McGrath, Trevor Riddle, Chris stone, Brian Thompson, Mrs Trellis, Lauren & Wayne Tucker, BL birds, opsbirding, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 29/5/16

Bath Peregrine Chicks: Latest pics: HERE. They are growing up fast.
Savi's Warbler: 1 at the Gwent wetlands this morning....

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 1 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap (good numbers here all month), 4 Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch.

Snuff Mills (Bristol):

29/5/16 Grey Wagtail (Gill Sapsed)
at least 1 chick successfully fledged

Fishponds (Bristol):

1 flyover Sparrowhawk.

Marshfield:
Rushmead Farm: 1 Quail heard (Mark Coller, our first of the season), 1 Little Owl.

New Passage-Northwick:
14 Canada Goose, 30 Gadwall, 6 Teal new, 1 Garganey still, 2 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 30 BH Gull.

Severn Beach:
1 Little Egret, 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Walton Common:
A Red Kite hunting over the common and nearby farmland 3-7pm, looked settled so may be still around tomorrow morning.

29/5/16 Red Kite (Higgy)

Other stuff, 1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap.

Pensford:
Lord's Wood: 1 Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 15+ Banded Demoiselle.

Blagdon Lake:
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Spotted Flycatcher.

Planet Chew:
CVRS end: 1 flyover Red Kite 11.10am (Patrick Hancock),
Other stuff, 1 Wigeon, 1 Hobby. 2 immature Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Cuckoo.

29/5/16 Reed Warbler (Bob Brewer)
widespread around the Chew reed-beds now

Reports: Bob Brewer, Teresa Chard, Mark Coller,  Patrick Hancock, Higgy, Mike Jenkins, Gill Sapsed, Mrs Trellis, BL birds, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 28/5/16

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 2 flyover Mute Swan, 6 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch.

Avonmouth (Bristol):
Docks: 3 Oystercatcher pairs nesting.

Marshfield:

28/5/16 Spotted Flycatcher (Pete Coslett)
Downthorns Farm this afternoon

Ingst (south Glos):

2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Sedge Warbler, 25 Starling, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 13 Linnet, 1 Brown Hare.

Warmley Forest Park:
2 Buzzard, 7 Swift, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Goldcrest, 10 House Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Bullfinch.

Aust Warth:
1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 9 House Martin nests (Old Passage House), 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 15 Starling, 1 Song Thrush, 16 Linnet.

New Passage-Northwick:
1 Wood Sandpiper late morning (Paul Bowerman), on the wetland briefly before flying on.
A good bird for Avon in spring.
Other stuff, 50 Shelduck, 6 MS cygnets, 1 darke Garganey still, 1 Little Egret, 2 Dunlin, 15 BH Gull.

Planet Chew:
2 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 2 Raven, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Reed Bunting.

Reports: Paul Bowerman, Teresa Chard, Pete Coslett, Chris Perry, Lois Pryce, Ian Stapp, Mrs Trellis, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 27/5/16

27/5/16 Black-tailed Godwit at Ham Wall, Somerset (Bob Brewer)
the new 2 story hide is now open and gives excellent views

3+ Red Kite reported today but still no Lammergeier....

Sea Mills (Bristol):
4 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 15 House Martin.

Rangeworthy:
1 flyover Red Kite 4.30pm (Adam Rawson).

Aust STW:
Raven pair + 1 young, 1 Willow Warbler.

Aust Warth:
Evening, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting.

New Passage-Northwick:
3 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Goose, 60 Shelduck, 30 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe brood, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Dublin, 10 BH Gull, 10 Stock Dove, 24 House Sparrow, 1 Yellow Wagtail.

Severn Beach:
Shore: 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin.
Orchard Pools: 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Coot brood, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Bullfinch.
Downs Bakery: 9 House Sparrow.

Portbury Dock:
6 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 9 BH Gull, 1 Stock Dove, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 20 Reed Warbler, 1 Bullfinch.

Portbury Wharf:
The Wigeon pair still, 2 Oystercatcher young, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler.

Portbury 26/5/16:
Prior's Wood: 1 Tawny Owl pair calling 7.30pm.

East Harptree 25/5/16:
1 flyover Red Kite 3pm, near the Castle of Comfort pub (Andrew Pinches).

Planet Chew:
1 Greylag Goose, 2 Barnacle Goose, 16 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 immature Yellow-legged Gull, 2 nesting Herring Gull still, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Raven + young, 40 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 6 Garden Warbler, 4 Song Thrush, 6 House Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting.

27/5/16 Herring Gull type (Keith Vinicombe)
any ideas anyone?, bird has a long gape line

Marksbury:

A39: 1 flyover Red Kite 2.23pm (Ian Stapp).

Charlton (Midsomer Norton):
1 flyover Red Kite 12.30pm at ST680524 (Andrew Pinches).

Midsomer Norton:
Westfield Trading Estate: 1 flyover Red Kite early afternoon (Sean Davies).

Reports: Bob Brewer, Sean Davies, Steve Emery, Andy Pinches, Lois Pryce, Adam Rawson, Tony Scott, Ian Stapp, Chris Stone, Mrs Trellis, Keith Vinicombe, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 26/5/16

26/5/16 House Martin near Blagdon Lake (Mrs Trellis)
9 nests on the go at Bickfield Farm

BTO House Martin survey: click HERE if you would like to take part. Thanks.

Emerson's Green (Bristol):
Science Park: Skylark pair breeding.

Hanham (Bristol):
Deanery Rd: 1 flyover Peregrine 5.23pm.

Lawrence Weston (Bristol):
AWT Reserve: 1 Cuckoo, unusual here.

Lower Woods:
Crews Coppice: 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Oldbury Power Station:
1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cuckoo.

New Passage-Northwick:
Golden Oriole: 1 heard singing this morning, trees at the south-east corner of the wetland ST552864 (Paul Bowerman). Hopefully, it'll stick around and a pic will be forthcoming tomorrow.
Last recorded in Avon 2005, today's bird, a 2nd Severnside patch record (1st - 1991).

Other stuff shore & wetland: 80 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 27 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 late Merlin, 30 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 3 BH Gull.

26/5/16 Kestrel with prey (Simon Williams)

Abbots Leigh:

Pool environs: 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Nuthatch.

26/5/16 Great Tit youngster trapped and ringed ( Alex Rhodes)

Also bred in the garden here, Blackbird, Wren and Dunnock.

Clevedon:
Christchurch: 1 Green Woodpecker.

Rickford:
1 Jay.

Blagdon Lake:
13 Mute Swan, 79 Canada Goose, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 2 Cuckoo (Top End, both shores), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Song Thrush.

Planet Chew:
Garganey: 1 drake back on Herriott's Pool this evening (Sean Davies). Last seen here 12 May.
24 Canada Goose, 2 Barnacle Goose, 20 Shelduck, 4 Buzzard, 2 nesting Herring Gull, 3 Cuckoo, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 5 Raven (inc young), 6 Cetti's Warbler,  5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Reed Bunting.

26/5/16 the Garganey (Brian Thompson)

26/5/16 Raven young (Ian Stapp)
at least 3 birds fledged

Reports: Paul Bowerman, Sean Davies, Ed Drewitt, Andrew Ford, Tim Ford, Rob Laughton, Vic Polley, Ian Stapp, Brian Thompson, Mrs Trellis, Simon Williams, opsbirding.

Sightings 25/5/16

Richard Bland, unsung hero: Read why: HERE. Well done Richard.

Another Red Kite day, 6 birds reported.

Stockwood (Bristol):

25/5/16 Woodpigeon (Brian Thompson)
oddly coloured bird in the garden

Whitchurch (Bristol):
1 flyover Red Kite 9.25am to south-east (Trevor Wilmot).

Hambrook (Bristol):
M4/M32 junction: 1 flyover Red Kite 9.40am to north (Helen Strong).

Redland (Bristol):

Kersteman Rd: 2 flyover Red Kite 9.15am (Greg Poole). 1 bird to south-west, the other to north-east.

New Passage-Northwick:
Shore & wetland: 7 Mute Swan, 85 Shelduck (+8 ducklings), 30 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 30 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet (wetland), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 2 Curlew, 8 BH Gull, 1 Tawny Owl (a bit rare here), 50 Swift, 1 flyover Siskin.

Abbots Leigh:
Sandy Lane end: 2 tawny Owl calling, late evening.

Portbury:
A369: 1 flyover Barn Owl 11.40am, across the main road into Portishead (Pete Dommett).

Portbury Wharf 24/5/16:
1 Barn Owl out, 2 Water Vole.

24/5/16 Water Vole (Gwen Thomas)

Walton-in Gordano: 

1 Red Kite trawling grass cutting in fields along Walton Down this morning (Andrew Waygood).

Kenn:
Duck Lane: 1 flyover Hobby.

Wrington:
1 flyover Red Kite 8am, over the A38 towards Bristol (Jeff Locke).

Willsbridge Mill:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (feeding young), 20 Long-tailed Tit (3 families), 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Song Thrush.

Reports: Teresa Chard, John Croxton, Pete Dommett, Brian Lancastle, Jeff Locke, Greg Poole, Karin Rhodes, Helen Strong, Gwen Thomas, Brian Thompson, Andrew Waygood, Trevor Wilmo, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 24/5/16

May 2016 Red-throated Diver (Bob Brewer)
in Scotland, not Avon...no worries everyone...

Highlights: A Red Kite day today, several through Avon with even larger numbers recorded in Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Goldfinch, 4 Bullfinch.

Hanham (Bristol):
Chequer's Pub: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Banded Demoiselle.

Thornbury:
A38: 1 flyover Red Kite 3.30pm (Adam Rawson).

New Passage-Northwick:
3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, Little Grebe pair bred, 35 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 3 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 21 BH Gull.

Severn Beach:
Morning mig watch: 3 BH Gull, 3 Swift, 18 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Linnet, 16 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin.
Other stuff, 1 Spotted flycatcher.
Western Distribution Park: 1 Egyptian Goose still.

Pill:
1 flyover Red Kite 10.40am (Wayne Davey).

Portbury Dock:
7 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 6 Rock Pipit.

Portishead:
Police HQ: 1 flyover Red Kite 1.30pm (Roger Joliffe).
Kilkenny Place: 1 fly-through Red Kite 3.15pm to east (Dee Pope).

Clevedon coast:
Wain's Hill-Yeo Est: 19 Mute Swan, 155 Shelduck (+ 2 juvs Yeo Est), 7 Tufted Duck, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit (Yeo), 2 Redshank, 150 Crow, 14 Skylark, 35 Swallow, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 9 Whitethroat, 4 Sedge Warbler, 11 Reed Warbler, 1 Whinchat, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch with 2 juvs.

Sand Pt:
5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Grey Plover, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Bullfinch.

Newton St Loe:
2 Mute Swan + 8 cygnets, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Skylark, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer.

Bath:
Paintworks: 1 Kingfisher, canal side.
Albert Terrace: 1 Sparrowhawk.

Blagdon:
Village: 1 flyover tatty Red Kite 3.30pm (Geoff Pudney).

Planet Chew:
Red Kite: 2 flyovers at Burledge Hill (Mike Jenkins).
Crane: 2 over Herriott's early afternoon (Chris Craig).
Other stuff, 2 Barnacle Goose, 18 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Hobby, 2 Herring Gull nesting,  1 GBB Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 200 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 Raven, 200 mixed Swallow/House Martin, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Song Thrush.

Reports: Teresa Chard, Chris Craig, Wayne Davey, Robert Hargreaves, Matt Hobbs, Adrian Hockey, Jessica Irving, Mike Jenkins, Roger Joliffe, Dee Pope, Geoff Pudney, Adam Rawson, Vic Savery, Nigel Sluman, Ian Stapp, Chris Stone, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 23/5/16

We were sent only very rubbish pics today. We couldn't decide which one was the worst so we've posted all of them.

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 2 Collared Dove, 8 Woodpigeon, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 House Martin, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Goldfinch.

Ashton Court (Bristol):
Mansion House environs: 1 Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Raven, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Song Thrush.

Fishponds (Bristol):

23/5/16 Dipper (Allan Chard)
Vassal's Park, bred successfully

Longwell Green:

1 flyover Hobby this morning, unusual here.

Oldbury Power Station:
1 Little Grebe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Cuckoo.

Aust Warth:

23/5/16 Kestrel (Rod Holbrook)

New Passage-Northwick:
Shore & wetland: 80 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe (+4 chicks), 1 Buzzard, 36 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 BH Gull, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 40 Starling.

Severn Beach:
15 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Oystercatcher, 20 Herring Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 70 Starling, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Linnet.

Portbury Wharf:
7 Greylag Goose new, 2 Wigeon, 2 Little Ringed Plover of note.

23/5/16 Greylag Goose (Chris Stone)
a sudden influx today

Backwell Lake:

1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtail.

23/5/16 Mute Swan cygnets (Tim Warren)

Chew Magna:

1 flyover Red Kite 3.15pm, drifting to north-west (Andy Davis).

Planet Chew:
1 Greylag Goose, 2 Barnacle Goose, 19 Shelduck, 1 drake Wigeon, 7 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 400 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 2 Raven, 150 mixed Swallow/House Martin, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler.

23/5/16 Alabonia Geofrella (Ian Stapp)
an unusual Moth for Chew we are told

Ashcott (Somerset):

1 flyover Red Kite 3pm (Colin Hill).

Reports: Allan Chard, Teresa Chard, John Clark, Andy Davis, Tim Ford, Robert Hargreaves, Colin Hill, Rod Holbrook, Karin Rhodes, Ian Stapp, Chris Stone, Tim Warren, opsbirding, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 22/5/16

Hoopoe (Andrew Dring)

Late news of a Hoopoe in Copley Court, Hanham 9/10 May, in the garden. Many thanks to Vic Polley for sourcing the info.

Stoke Park (Bristol):
4 Canada Goose, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 10 Swift, 4 Whitethroat.

Cold Ashton:
1 flyover Red Kite 12.55pm to south-west (Derek Angell).
40+ Red Kite through Avon so far this month.

Marshfield:
Downthorns Farm: 2 Spotted Flycatcher.

Oldbury Power Station:
1 drake Wigeon still, 1 Peregrine, 1 Little Grebe, plus lots of the common Warbler species.

Also reported, 1 Avocet upriver, 1 Short-eared Owl. It's not known whether these are birds from Severnside or additional ones.

Aust Warth:

22/5/16 Short-eared Owl (Rod Holbrook)
present into evening

New Passage-Northwick:

3 Avocet, new on the wetland this morning.
Other stuff shore & wetland: 3 Canada Goose, 20 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 36 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 2 BH Gull, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Cuckoo.

22/5/16 Avocet (Paul Bowerman)

Severn Beach:

Western Distribution Park: 1 Egyptian Goose.

Abbots Leigh:
Sandy Lane end: 1 Buzzard, 1 Jay, 1 Raven.

Portbury Dock:
5 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin, 6 Curlew, 6 Rock Pipit.

Nailsea:
Wookey Close: 2 garden Bullfinch.

Clevedon coast:
Wain's Hill-Yeo Est: 13 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Goose, 40 Shelduck, 5 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Coot, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 14 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 35 LBB Gull, 70 Herring Gull, 5 Swift, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit.

Worlebury Woods:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay plus plenty of the common Warbler species.

Sand Pt:
2 Harbour Porpoise.

Blagdon Lake:
2 Hobby, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail.

Bickfield Farm: 3 active House Martin nests, 10 House Sparrow.

Planet Chew:
Marsh Harrier: 1 female type 10am Moreton side (Mike jJenkins).
2 Barnacle Goose, 1 Egyptian Goose, 19 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4+ Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 5 GBB Gull, 2 Cuckoo (pair), 3 Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 2 Raven, 3 Cetti's Warbler.

22/5/16 Reed Warbler (Bob Brewer)
shed-loads around the lake now

Reports: Derek Angell, Paul Bowerman, Bob Brewer, Mark Dadds, Robert Hargreaves, Richard Hearn, Rod Holbrook, Mike Jenkins, Andy Middleton, George Rabin, Karin Rhodes, Gill Sapsed, Vic Savery, Chris Stone, Carolyn Westlake, Mrs Trellis, Jason Williams, BL birds, severnsidebirds, TBOSG.

Sightings 21/5/16

Snuff Mills (Bristol):
Grey Wagtail pair bred successfully.

Aust Warth;
1 Short-eared Owl 7.45pm (Mrs Trellis).

New Passage-Northwick:
20 Gadwall, 1 Garganey still, 1 Pintail, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Hobby, 2 Little Ringed Plover.

Severn Beach:
2 Black Tern up, 150 House Martin.

Portbury Wharf:
1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit.

Sand Pt:
1 Grey Plover, 1 dp Arctic Skua down, 1 Kittiwake.

Barrow Tanks:
1 Hobby, 1 Sanderling (No.3).

Blagdon Lake:
1 Hobby (Top End), 1 Barn Owl (Rugmoor).

Planet Chew:
1 Arctic Tern, Nunnery.

Reports: Paul Bowerman, Sean Davies, Steve Emery, Lee Gardiner, Paul Gregory, Gill Sapsed, Chris Stone, Mrs Trellis, BL birds, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 20/5/16

20/5/16 Canada Goose gosling (special agent Horrocks)
1 of 9 goslings hatched by the Portishead boating lake pair

Stockwood (Bristol):

Open Space: 2 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Greenfinch.

Marshfield:
2 Canada Goose, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Awkley (nr Thornbury):
1 Cuckoo calling this morning.

Almondsbury:
Lower Knole Farm: 1 Cuckoo this morning.

Northwick:
1 flyover Hobby, afternoon.

New Passage-Northwick:
6 Canada Goose, 24 Gadwall (numbers rising), 1 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 drake Garganey still (wetland), 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby, 30 Coot, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 50 House Martin, 15 Pied Wagtail.

Severn Beach:
3 Shelduck, 300 Oystercatcher, 400 mixed Ringed Plover/Dunlin, 3 Sanderling.

Yatton:
Strawberry Line: 2 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Reed Warbler.

Sand Pt:
1 Guillemot to west this morning (Dave Gibbs).
A few Manx Shearwater are starting to appear south of Bridgwater Bay recently, summer feeding parties. Some could make their way to us, especially during some southerly breezes.

Barrow Tanks 19/5/16:
3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 200 Swift, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (feeding young), 1 Skylark, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Grey Wagtail, 1 Siskin (Terry Bond, 1st May record ever apparently), 1 Reed Bunting.

Blagdon Lake:
1 Sparrowhawk, dam spillway.
Small birds stock check: 16 Chiffchaff, 35 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 17 Reed Warbler, 62 Wren, 34 Robin, 19 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 9 Reed Bunting.

Bickfield Farm: 100 LBB/60 mixed Corvids Gull following the tractor in nearby field, 3 active House Martin nests at farm buildings..

Planet Chew:
66 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 20 Shelduck, 1 drake Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Buzzard, 2 Hobby, 2 Sanderling, 2 nesting Herring Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Raven, 800 mixed Hirundines, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 5 Reed Bunting.

20/5/16 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Ian Stapp)
feeding young

20/5/16 Sanderling (Mrs Trellis)
Heron's Green wall this morning

We managed to get some jaw-dropping cracking pics of these 2 waders but we've decided to post these less than perfect shots as we want to appear normal, mortal and fallible to the birding tribe.

Reports: Terry Bond, Paul Bowerman, Teresa Chard, Mark Dadds, Rob Emery, Dave Gibbs, Robert Hargreaves, Katie Horrocks, Trevor Riddle, Tony Scott, Nigel Sluman, Ian Stapp, Mrs Trellis, BL birds, TBOSG, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 19/5/16

19/5/16 Skylark (Vic Savery)
Plenty along Northwick Warth today

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 10 Long-tailed Tit (family), 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Greenfinch.

Oldbury Power Station:
1 Little Egret down, 1 Red-legged Partridge L3.

New Passage-Northwick:
6 Canada Goose, 19 Gadwall, 1 drake Garganey still, 1 drake Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 BH Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail.

Severn Beach:
380 mixed Ringed Plover/Dunlin.

Portbury Dock:
12 Ringed Plover, 16 Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew.

Portbury Wharf:
1 Little Grebe brood (4 chicks), 1 Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing in display, 2 Black-tailed Godwit.

Clevedon coast:
Wain's Hill-Yeo Est: 3 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Goose, 25 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe pair bred (Blake's Pool), 6 Oystercatcher (3prs), 2 Lapwing, 42 Ringed Plover, 55 Dunlin, 13 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 55 LBB Gull, 60 Herring Gull, 4 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler.

M5 Junction 20: 1 flyover Red Kite 4pm heading towards Clevedon Court woods (Pete Dommett).

Sand Pt:
46 Ringed Plover, 10 Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, 5 Whimbrel, 10 Swallow, 1 Siskin.

Blagdon Lake:
1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Cuckoo.

Planet Chew:
Mute Swan: 97 around the lake today, including 85 on Herriott's Pool
Other stuff, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Barnacle Goose, 27 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 2 Herring Gull (Herriott's nesting), 2 Common Tern, 1 Barn Owl, 4 Cuckoo, 40 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 5 Raven, 23 Swallow, 25 House Martin, 4 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 House Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting.

19/5/16 Spotted Flycatcher (Robert Hargreaves)

Reports: Paul Bowyer, Teresa Chard, John Croxton, Pete Dommett, Robert Hargreaves, Harvey Rose, Vic Savery, Ian Stapp,  Chris Stone, Keith Vinicombe, BL birds, opsbirding, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 18/5/16

18/5/16 Ringed Plover at Portbury (Mrs Trellis)
sitting since 12 May as far as we know

Avon Bird Report:
Harvey Rose the Editor is looking out for photos to include in the Report. Please contact him if you think you can help out.
Harvey's e-mail is: 'h.e.rose@bristol.ac.uk'. Thanks.

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Goldfinch, 10 Bullfinch.

Shepperdine:
15 Ringed Plover, 13 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin, evening tide.

New Passage-Northwick:
7 Canada Goose, 14 Gadwall, 1 drake Garganey still, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 250 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit.

Portishead:
Boating Lake: Canada Goose pair + 9 goslings, 7 Tufted Duck.

Sand Pt:
10 Gannet this morning (sitting on the sea), 1 Cuckoo.

W-s-M:
Anchor Head: 7 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler.


Reports: Teresa Chard, Paul Francis, Dave Gibbs, Pete Hazelwood, Adrian Hockey, Brian Lancastle, Mrs Trellis, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 17/5/16

Avon Gorge Peregrine:
The nest was visited under licence this morning, 3 chicks hatched and about 2 weeks old (Ed Drewitt).

The 2 climbers who were seen around the nest site later were unaware of the birds presence as the British Mountaineering Council website (which they had checked before climbing) did not alert them to any climbing restrictions in that part of the gorge.
Apparently, in previous years, the birding community has notified the BMC of our breeding Peregrine so it seems there has been a breakdown in communication somewhere.

Avon Bird Report:
Harvey Rose the Editor is looking out for photos to include in the Report. Please contact him if you think you can help out.
Harvey's e-mail is: 'h.e.rose@bristol.ac.uk'. Thanks.

Stockwood (Bristol):
Open Space: 5 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Song Thrush, 8 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch.

Wick:
4 flyover Crane 10.30am to west (Charlie Fayers).

Almondsbury:
Cope Park: 1 Cuckoo.

New Passage-Northwick:
17 Gadwall, 1 drake Garganey still, 9 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 10 Ringed Plover, 1 Lapwing, 300 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit.

Severn Beach:
180 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 700 Dunlin, evening tide.

Portbury Dock:
6 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin.

Walton Common:
3 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Blackcap.

Sand Pt:
1 Fulmar, 5 Whimbrel, 5 Arctic Tern, 50 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Redpoll.

Bath:
1 flyover Red Kite 11.20am (Jonathan Margetts).

Planet Chew:
Red Kite: 2 flyovers 11am to north-east/east (Andy Davis).
Hirundines: About 300 Swift and 100 mixed Swallow/House Martin with the onset of rain.

Other stuff, 2 Barnacle Goose, 20 Shelduck, 2 Sparrowhawk, 5 Buzzard, 2 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (feeding chicks), 1 Raven, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 1 Song Thrush.

17/5/16 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Ian Stapp)

Reports: Paul Bowerman, Paul Bowyer, Teresa Chard, Andy Davis, Charlie Fayers, Daphne Havercroft, Jonathan Margetts, Ian Stapp, Chris Stone, Mrs Trellis, severnsidebirds.

Sightings 16/5/16

Race Equality in Nature
Conference at Bristol Zoo, 3 June 2016
organised by Mya-Rose Craig, BirdgirlUK, details: HERE

Barton Hill (Bristol):
No sign of the Lammergeier. Bummer.

Chipping Sodbury:
Common: 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Linnet.

Oldbury Power Station 14/5/16:

(14/5/16) Long-eared Owl wing feathers (Mrs Trellis)
Thanks to Ed Drewitt for the ID

Found on the track from the car-park to the shore near Lagoon 2.

New Passage-Northwick:
1 Garganey (shore), 1 Sparrowhawk, 20 Ringed Plover, 3 Knot, 4 Sanderling, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 300 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel.

16/5/16 Curlew Sandpiper (Alex Carlisle)

Severn Beach:

Shore-side: 10 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 8 Oystercatcher, 55 Ringed Plover, 12 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 3 Chiffchaff, 35 Starling, 1 Song Thrush.
Orchard Pools: 1 Grey Heron, 1 Blackcap, 4 Reed Warbler.

Portbury Wharf:
1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Arctic Tern (estuary).

Clevedon:
Walton GC area: 1 Whimbrel, 20 Swallow, 12 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch.

Sand Pt:
1 Whimbrel, 1 Black Tern 2 Arctic Tern, 7 Commic Tern, 1 Cuckoo (car-park).

Marksbury:
Stantonbury Hill: 4 Buzzard, 1 Raven but no sign of the Lammergeier.

Bath:
Lansdown: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Jay, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldfinch.

Blagdon Lake:
1 Hobby, 1 Raven, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Grey Wagtail + juvs at the dam.
Bickfield Farm: 4 House Martin (2 nests), 6 House Sparrow.

Planet Chew:
22 Shelduck, 2 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 2 GBB Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Raven, 2 Coal Tit, 20 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting.

16/5/16 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Ian Stapp)

Reports: Derek Angell, Alex Carlisle, Dave Gibbs, Robert Hargreaves, Brian Lancastle, Lois Pryce, Phil Quinn, George Rabin, Ian Stapp, Chris Stone, Mrs Trellis.

Sightings 15/5/16

Lammergeier: Incredible news just out of a Lammergeier at Sudbrook, Gwent on 12 May. The bird was seen to fly east at one point and must have entered into Avon waters off Severnside somewhere and last reports of it were of the bird flying west again back into Wales.
Short video from the Gwent Birding website: HERE.
Presumably it is the same bird that was seen in Belgium recently.

Lammergeier like mountainous/hilly country and in view of its incredible rarity status, we've organised a specially co-ordinated Lammergeier watch around Avon to be carried out as soon as possible by the local birding groups:-

Group	Watch-point
Oldbury birders	Almondsbury Tump
TBOSG birders	Two Mile Hill
Severnside birders	Blackhorse Hill
Clevedon birders	Wain’s Hill
W-s-M/Sand Pt birders	Worlebury Hill
Planet Chew birders	Burledge Hill
Mrs Trellis	Barton Hill
Date and time of your choosing. Thanks everyone.

Bishopsworth (Bristol):
Manor Rd Woods: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Bullfinch.

St Phillips (Bristol):
Feeder Rd: 6 Sand Martin.

Marshfield:
Shire Valley: 2 Tufted Duck, local rarity apparently.

Inglestone Common:
1 Garden Warbler.

New Passage-Northwick:
1 Pintail, 1 drake Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 80 Ringed Plover, 8 Knot, 4 Sanderling, 1 Curlew Sandpiper again, 300 Dunlin.

Portbury Wharf:
10 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Goose, 1 Gadwall, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Cetti's Warbler.

Clevedon coast:
Ladye Bay: 15 Black Tern up, 20 Common Tern.
Blackstone-Dowlais: 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwing, 9 Dunlin, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Whimbrel, 2 Redshank, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail.

Sand Pt:
2 Sanderling, 1 Knot, 10 Dunlin, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Siskin, 4 Redpoll, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer.
Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat very numerous.

W-s-M:
Anchor Head: 7 Gannet, 2 Black Tern, 5 Arctic Tern (Dave Gibbs).

15/5/16 Gannet (Dave Gibbs)

Barrow Tanks:

No.2 Tank: 1 Greenshank.

Bath:
Weston: 1 flyover Red Kite to south-east 11.20am (Derek Angell).

Planet Chew:
Osprey: 1 flyover 11.20am (Mike Jenkins).
Spotted Redshank: 1 briefly at Herriott's Pool early this morning, our first of the Spring (Mike Jenkins).
Other stuff, 2 Barnacle Goose, 23 Shelduck, 1 drake Wigeon, 8 Gadwall. 2 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 22 Buzzard (inc 18 at HG Bay), 2 Kestrel, 3 Hobby, 1 Peregrine, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Cuckoo, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5+ Cetti's Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat.

Race Equality in Nature
Conference at Bristol Zoo, 3 June 2016
organised by Mya-Rose Craig, BirdgirlUK, details: HERE

Reports: Derek Angell, Des Bowring, Teresa Chard, Sean Davies, Dave Gibbs, Adrian Hockey, Nick Hudson, Mike Jenkins, Harvey Rose, Howard Taffs, Mrs Trellis, Keith Vinicombe, Jason Williams, TBOSG.